Google Maps Becomes a Ms. Pac-Man Game for April Fools’ Day 2017

Google is well known for its April Fools’ Day pranks. So what has the company come up with for April Fools’ Day 2017? The answer: playing Ms. Pac-Man on street maps created by Google Maps, of course!

Accessing the Ms. Pac-Man game is simple: all you have to do is open Google Maps and click the pink Ms. Pac-Man icon to the right of the screen. From there, you’re in control of Ms. Pac-Man as you outrun the ghosts in hot pursuit. To move Ms. Pac-Man around, all you have to do is swipe your finger across the screen in the direction you want the character to go.

The goal of Ms. Pac-Man is to score the most points possible within the five lives you’re given. The score is continually updated and tabulated at the top of the Google Maps app screen.

The mobile device you use to access Google Maps will determine the real-life map that you play the game on. For instance, iOS users get to select the map, as do those who choose the web version. By contrast, Android users are taken to a random location (figuratively speaking, of course).

This idea isn’t exactly new Google pulled off a similar prank with Google Maps and Pac-Man back in 2015. Some may scoff at Google for its lack of originality, but when the stunt is this good why mess with success?

Click here play the Ms. Pac-Man game for Google Maps online or to download the Google Maps app. Enjoy playing this diverting game this April Fools’ Day!